‘I’ve Never Taken A Sick Day—Here’s How I Stay So Healthy’

Sure, spending the day in bed with ramen and Netflix sounds great sometimes. But when you're actually forced to take a sick day, sneezing and sniffling at home with a soaring temperature and a stack of work emails piling up, you're probably reminded that sick days actually kind of suck.

That's why actress Catherine Russell has spent the last 30 years of her career dodging them. Yep, she's never taken a sick day—ever. "I've never smoked, drank or used drugs—not even during my youth—so I think this really went a long way in keeping my immune system high," Russell says. (That's not to blast sick days—if you need them, take them.)

Because we could all use a little TLC this time of year, we asked Russell to share her top tips for staying healthy—literally—all the time.

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Emily McCarthy

While most of us don't consider our day-to-day happiness a predictor of whether or not we'll come down with a cold, science proves that it can be. In fact, one study from Carnegie Mellon University found that people who are happy, lively, calm, or show more positive emotions are less likely to become ill when exposed to a cold virus than those who did not. "I love going to work—whether it's running the theater, going on stage, or teaching a class," says Russell. "Even though making happiness a top priority each day is a bit harder than simply throwing your hands up and taking a sick day, it will go farther in the long run—and keep you healthier."

"When people say they're sick and start describing their symptoms, I politely leave the room or change the subject," Russell says. "I believe in the power of suggestion when it comes to sickness, so I keep my mind clear." While this may seem like mere superstition, consider for a moment how you feel when a friend or coworker starts rambling on about the terrible, itchy rash they had all over their back last week. Yep, now you get it.

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Emily McCarthy

Try doing small things throughout the day that get your heart racing a bit more, Russell says. "The theater I work in has an elevator, but when I choose not to take it, I get to walk up 60 steps, which works my glutes and gets my blood circulating," says Russell. "I also try to move as many heavy boxes as I can find or mop the floor to add some physical exercise into everyday." Science backs this up: Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says exercising lowers your risk for a variety of diseases.

Say what? You've probably heard the benefits to taking a wink break mid-day, but it turns out naps may not be all they're cracked up to be. In fact, one study by the University of Tokyo found that taking naps that last longer than 40 minutes is linked to developing metabolic disorders including obesity, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. "I never take a nap and so I never have insomnia—I fall asleep within three minutes of getting into bed because I am really, really tired!" says Russell. "When I do get tired in the middle of the day, I try to go to the gym or run an errand so I feel more alert and revitalized. For me, it's even better than a nap."

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Emily McCarthy

"I pray every day—sometimes on the subway or while I'm in a waiting room somewhere—and always give myself a few minutes of spirituality in the middle of my day to remind myself to expect good and see good everywhere." For Russell, her form of meditation is reading a lesson from her church congregation, but there are countless non-religious ways to find peace of mind throughout the day. Think: yoga, other forms of exercise, or simply sitting in a quiet space where you can focus on your breathing. A small 2012 study from the University of Wisconsin suggests meditation can indeed reduce a person's number of sick days. (Heal your whole body with Rodale's 12-day power plan for better health.)

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Emily McCarthy

"Whenever I feel the least bit sorry for myself, I make a mental list of all the things I should be grateful for," says Russell. "I'm a very optimistic person and believe that every challenge we face in life (and I've had a lot) makes us stronger and opens new doors—I remind myself of that every day." These are important things to remember when we're feeling run down. In terms of kindness, try to do something nice every day for someone. "Focusing on other people is a great way to stay healthy because it keeps you from feeling grumpy," Russell says.

When you start to feel a little sick—sore throat, headache, and fatigue—it's usually your body telling you to take a breather. "I find that I sometimes waste time in the 30 minutes before I have to teach a class or go onstage, so I'll try to schedule my 'recharge' about 20 minutes before I have to be somewhere," says Russell. "To me, time is more valuable than money so I don't like to waste it."

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